Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Workshop Description

This workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP’s Reflective Structured Dialogue framework.

For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP’s framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations.

Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Objectives:

• To learn the basic theory and practice of EP’s Reflective Structured Dialogue framework;
• To explore how conveners and facilitators might use EP’s framework to design conversation in their communities through case studies and practice;
• To sketch out how EP’s framework might look in participants’ communities;
• To get a taste of what it’s like to participate in a dialogue.

As a result of this workshop, you will be equipped to:

• Envision what a better conversation about tough issues might look like in your community or organization;
• Begin to break destructive communication habits in your community, campus, congregation, or organization;
• Encourage conversations that allow people to participate fully, listen actively, and empathize across differences;
• Make the case for bringing EP’s framework to your community or organization.

Who might participate:

• Civic leaders and advocates
• Educators and administrators
• Corporate and nonprofit managers
• Human resources and organizational development professionals
• Clergy and lay religious leaders
• Therapists or social workers
• Alternative dispute resolution professionals

Looking for hands-on facilitation skills and tools? Consider registering for Basic EP Training for Facilitators or for Facilitation Training for Community and Faith Leaders.

Already an experienced facilitator who’s familiar with EP’s approach? Take a look at our Advanced Facilitation Skills workshop.

Find both Intro to Dialogue Across Differences and Advanced Facilitation Skills on the EP workshop calendar.

Accreditation and Continuing Education

Essential Partners provides a certificate upon completion of the workshop that can be used to support a request for professional development credits.

Scholarships

Essential Partners provides a limited number of partial or full scholarships for each workshop it hosts. A member of the staff will inform applicants of their decisions six weeks prior to the workshop date; applicants will confirm their acceptance by registering online. Scholarships are granted based on two criteria: financial need; and  potential for impact on a community level.

Fill out this form to apply for a scholarship.

Cancellation Policies

If you must cancel, please do so as far in advance as possible. Cancellations are subject to a $25 administration fee plus an additional $25 to process credit card refunds (if you paid by credit card). Refunds will be issued to the original payment method.

To receive any refund your cancellation must be made at least 2 weeks before the event or workshop date. Essential Partners is under no obligation to offer any refund or credit if you cancel within two weeks of an event or workshop. If you need to cancel due to a medical emergency or other emergency reason, please call (617) 923-1216 or email training@whatisessential.org as soon as possible.

In some instances, Essential Partners must cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, faculty illness, or other reason. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a workshop, we will give you 7-10 days notice. If the workshop is canceled, Essential Partners will issue you a full refund of the registration fee, with no administration fees withheld.